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"Network" is a 1976 satirical film directed by Sidney Lumet and written by Paddy Chayefsky. The movie explores the convergence of media and politics, and the unethical pursuit of ratings by news networks. It stars Peter Finch as Howard Beale, a veteran news anchor who becomes unhinged after being fired due to poor ratings. Along with Dunaway as Diana Christensen, a ruthless executive looking to exploit Beale's breakdown, late actor William Holden as Max Schumacher, boss to both Beale and Duncan, and Beatrice Straight as Holden's wife, Louise.

"Network" is a fiercely intelligent and bitterly satirical work that offers a searing critique of the state of the media and consumer culture in the 1970s. The film's central theme is the exploitation of human suffering for the sake of ratings and entertainment. The story follows Howard Beale, a television news anchor struggling with declining ratings and a public breakdown. In a last-ditch effort to boost ratings, Beale is given his own prime-time show, where he proceeds to scream about the state of the world and urge his viewers to "get mad." His rants soon become a sensation, and Beale is transformed into a cult figure of sorts, with people tuning in from all over to see what he'll say next.

The story of "Network" revolves around the actions of several key characters. Howard Beale is the film's tragic hero, a man who has lost everything and is struggling to maintain his dignity in the face of overwhelming despair. Beale is a character who embodies the collapse of traditional media and the rise of the spectacle in American culture. He is a man who has lost his sense of self but has found a way to connect with people through his pain and anger.

Diana Christensen is Beale's chief nemesis, a cold and calculating executive who sees the potential in his rage and uses it to boost her network's ratings. Diana is a character who embodies the ruthless nature of the media industry, willing to exploit anything for a profit, regardless of the consequences.

Max Schumacher is Beale's closest confidant, and the only person who seems to have any genuine concern for his well-being. Schumacher is a man who, like Beale, is struggling with the changes in the media industry and the moral compromises that come with it. He is torn between his loyalty to his friend and his duty to his company, and this conflict ultimately leads to his downfall.

The film's other major character is the television audience itself. "Network" is a movie about a media that has lost touch with its audience, that has become so detached from reality that it is unable to recognize the harm it is inflicting. The film is a warning about what happens when the media becomes more concerned with ratings than with the truth, and how this obsession can lead to the downfall of society.

"Network" is a visually stunning film that employs a wide range of techniques to create a sense of urgency and emotional intensity. Lumet makes use of hand-held cameras, long takes, and other techniques to create a sense of immediacy and realism. The film's editing is also superb, with scenes cut together in a way that creates a seamless flow of action and emotion.

The movie's soundtrack also plays a pivotal role in the overall impact of the film. The music, composed by the brilliant Elliot Lawrence, is a driving force that propels the film forward and adds another layer of commentary to the story.

In conclusion, "Network" is a masterpiece of cinema that still resonates today. The film is a powerful commentary on the dangers of corporate media, the pursuit of ratings at any cost, and the dehumanization of society. It is a movie that asks difficult questions and challenges its viewers to think critically about the role of the media in our lives. "Network" is a movie that demands to be seen and remembered.

Network is a 2010 special interest movie with a runtime of 37 minutes.